In a recent article for The Times, I asked a senior UKIP source for a quote on libertarianism on in MHoC. The comment I received has drawn attention from across the community. Under the promise of anonymity, the source agreed to speak to The Times today about the state of UKIP. The following replies are word-for-word accurate, with the source named E for anonymity:

UH: Thank you for agreeing to this, we recognise the risk you are taking by giving this interview. Without revealing too much, could you give us an idea of who you are?
E: Without giving too much detail, I am a senior party figure, MP and a member of the Shadow Cabinet.

UH: You are a member of UKIP. May I ask why you originally joined the party?
E: I joined UKIP because I believe in the core, traditional principles of the party: fighting for our independence from the European Union, an end to uncontrolled mass immigration and putting Britain and the British people, all of them, first.

UH: What has changed in the party since then to cause the harsh criticisms we heard previously?
E: In short, /u/Duncs11. The leadership of /u/Tyroncs stayed true to the Faragist policies that make up the real party – the party that people overwhelmingly join for. When Duncs took power, it all started to slowly change. While, at first, he seemed to also stay true to the founding principles, however, when I presume he became more confident in the throne, it became clear that he did not. Duncs openly supports complete freedom of movement—a completely contradictory policy to the real party and to the party that we advertise as. How can I justify, as a conservative and ‘Kipper, this policy? How can I defend it? It’s impossible, I, or maybe I should say we, must speak out more. What’s more, the slightest opposition to Duncs is seen by him as an NUP plot, or spies from the banned Vanguard members. For all intents and purposes, it is a dictatorship.

UH: Have you been tempted to defect? There are several non-libertarian right-wing parties - you could even stand as an independent. What is causing you to stay?
E: I have been tempted to defect. But I'd say I'm dedicated to the party and I've met too many good people, and made so many good friends in MHoCUKIP to leave. Maybe it is time to leave. We'll see.

UH: Would you say your view is one that is shared by your colleagues?
E: You might very well think that; I couldn't possibly comment.

UH: What do you think needs to change to make the party as attractive as it was when you joined?
E: A new leader. New ideas, new policies and a new manifesto. A complete reform of the party is needed. As a party, we should be trying to attract energetic, active members and giving party members more of a voice in decisions and policies.

UH: How likely do you think that change is? Is there anyone in the party you could see delivering that change?
E: 90% likely. I don't think it would be wise to say who could deliver it, however.

UH: UKIP has 13 seats, a leading place in the OO. Duncs11 was PM (albeit for a very short period) - he has taken the party past the Conservatives into being the biggest right wing party in the MHoC. Is Duncs not giving you more success than you would have without him?
E: It may be that way. But the Labour Party is successful , and so is the Green Party, and so is the RSP; but we do not follow their views. We are UKIP: the party of Farage and British independence, not the the Eurosceptic Liberal Democrats. What is more important to me and my fellow like-minded MPs than gaining high office - although I contest the suggestion that a traditional UKIP wouldn't be successful - is staying true, like I said before, to our core principles and the beliefs that this party was founded upon.

That concluded a very revealing interview with our UKIP MP. This will of course raise further questions for UKIP’s leadership. E stated that it is “90% likely” that change will happen in the party - is there perhaps a leadership battle ensuing behind the scenes in UKIP? Whatever happens, there seems to be at least one member of the party who is not happy with the direction of the party.

The Times will keep you updated on this story as it develops.